Herefordshire Police Issue Warning After Increase In Vehicle Crime

Police in Herefordshire today issued a reminder to local people to take anything valuable out of their vehicles when unattended, even if they're only leaving them for a few moments.

The warning comes as a result of a series of thefts that have occurred in Leominster in the last three weeks. Since Wednesday 28 December, police have received reports of 8 different cars being broken into and on each occasion a satellite navigation system has been among the items stolen.

The thefts have occurred in several different parts of the town and on the majority of occasions the thieves smashed a window to enter the car and steal items from inside.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Andy Hughes said:

"The recent increase we have seen in Leominster is unusual and we believe the same offender or offenders are likely to be responsible for most of the offences. Almost all of the offences have occurred overnight when the vehicles are parked up.

"We have a number of officers investigating these incidents but I'd like to remind local residents that it only takes few seconds for someone to smash a window of a car and remove anything inside of value, whether it be an satellite navigation system, mp3 player, handbag, mobile phone or some loose change.

"Even hiding valuables out of view can be ineffective, as offenders may have been watching where you put them or know the common places to look, such as under seats or in the glove box.

"By removing everything of value from your vehicle, the risk of it being broken into is significantly reduced. Leaving valuable items inside, especially if they are on show, is an open invitation for thieves to break in.

"It takes no time at all to take everything valuable with you when you leave your vehicle, while wiping the sat nav sucker mark from your windscreen will further reduce the chance of your car being attacked."

T/DCI Hughes has also reminded people that they should report anything suspicious they see or hear to police as soon as is possible so that officers can respond to the call immediately.

"A lot of people now ignore both car and other alarms if they hear one going off, but we would ask people to please call in if they hear one and let us check it out," he added.

"If the vehicle has been broken into, the sooner we are aware, the better the chance of us catching the offender or offenders in the area."

"Anyone with information about these incidents in the Leominster area is asked to contact investigating officer, PC 0840 Steve Adams, on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously 0800 555 111."

Issued: Monday 16 January 2012